The linear building is aligned on an east/west axis with limited and a shaded exposures for the morning and afternoon sun.

BASF is the world’s largest chemical company in the world and their new headquarters has achieved a status few projects in the world – LEED Double Platinum certification. The project was awarded LEED Platinum for the Core & Shell, which was designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox and it was also awarded LEED Platinum for the interior, which was designed by Gensler. The linear building is aligned on an east/west axis with limited and a shaded exposures for the morning and afternoon sun. Above the third floor, the building expands to minimize the building’s footprint and provide shade for the bottom floors. The south façade incorporates a horizontal louver system as an environmental consideration to provide shading for the exposed glass façade.

Indoor water use was reduced by 40% with the help of low-flow toilets, lavatory faucets, and shower head; waterless urinals; and a rainwater harvesting system. Over 40% of the project site was retained as open space. Most of the offices enjoy natural daylighting and views outside, while sensors and monitors work to reduce energy use when rooms are not occupied. An energy efficient HVAC system reduces energy use by one-third and all equipment and appliances are Energy Star rated. During construction 75% of waste was diverted from the landfill and many of the new materials are either recycled, locally-sourced and low VOC.

“The new headquarters is a living demonstration of BASF’s innovations in sustainable construction and high-performance buildings,” said Hans Engel, Chairman and CEO of BASF Corporation. “It stands as a tangible example of how BASF creates chemistry for a sustainable future while creating a healthy and safe work atmosphere where our employees can even better cooperate and collaborate.” We’re still not exactly sure what the reason for a Double Certification though and we’d love to hear from our readers as to the benefits of such an arrangement. What are your thoughts?